audrey (bidabble) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2013-11-01 21:27:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, audrey, john connor |
Who: Audrey and John Connor
When: Early November, after the wedding but before the honeymoon
Where: Baxter Bakery
What: Random Encounter
Rating/Warning: Low/None
Status: Complete
John had heard a lot about this bakery and since he was fairly close to it thought it was time he checked it out. Pushing open the door he entered and immediately agreed that the atmosphere right from the start was welcoming and homely, just like the woman behind the counter looked.
Stepping up he smiled, "So I've heard rumors of a sparkling drink?" he asked.
Audrey was behind the counter, helping her girls get ready for her week away. She and Merlin were going on a honeymoon now they were married, though it wasn’t until mid-way through the month. She turned to the register and broke into a grin when the man came in.
“We’ve got a sparkling latte that’s to die for. Can I make one for you?” She asked, grinning.
“That sounds great, thanks” John nodded, “You’re pretty popular, I’ve had recommendations for this place for ages. I’m just a bit stubborn” he grinned.
Audrey gave a little laugh. “I know what you mean. Whenever I get really rave reviews of a movie or a book or something, when everyone’s saying how great it is, I’m always skeptical. And suspicious.” She shrugged one shoulder and broke into a dimple-y smile. “I can assure you, though, that this place won’t let you down.” She turned to the espresso machine and started fixing the drink. “Can I get you a pastry to pair it with?”
“That’s exactly it” John nodded, he had never been one to give in to peer pressure but his curiosity had gotten the better of him this time. “Oh now you’re a bit of a temptress aren’t you?” he laughed before nodding, “Go on then, whatever you think will work well”
Audrey chuckled. “It’s called upselling, dear.” She corrected him, playfully. “And I’m a big fan of anything with almond in it. Are you allergic to almonds? How about a bear claw?”
“Technically that’s what it’s called but my version sounds much better” he winked at her, “No allergies as far as I’m aware” he assured her, “It’s actually been ages since I’ve had a bear claw”
“Then I insist.” Audrey said, pulling one of the scrumptious-looking claws from the pastry case and plating it for him. “If it’s not the best bear claw you’ve ever had, then your next one’s on the house.”
“Now that is a confident claim, I’m looking forward to it already” he told her with a grin. “Pretty good set-up you have here by the way” he gestured to the computers, “It’s a good pull, fast access with coffee”
“Thank you. We’ve got wifi and everything. I mean, cyber cafes are going out of style now that everyone has a tablet or a smartphone or whatever, but the wifi totally brings people in. Especially college students. We’ve got pretty long, ridiculous hours, too.” Audrey said, grinning playfully.
John nodded, “It’s a good choice. You’ve got a solid connection too. Whoever set you up was good, you’re really secure” he said, he’d used his phone to see and it wouldn’t be an impossible hack for him but it was better than he’d expected. “Sounds to me like you’ve got a good business head, pulling in the students with the wifi, coffee and extended hours”
Audrey laughed. “Really secure? Wait, you’ve tried to hack in, or something?” She asked, grinning brightly. “Well, I wouldn’t mind any extra advice or help as far as the cyber aspect goes. I mean, they’re sort of dinosaurs in the days of wifi, aren’t they?”
John blushed a little and raised his hand to rub his neck, “Yeah, sorry about that. Kind of a habit since I’ve set up my own computer consulting firm. I’d be happy to send you some suggestions if you like? But like I say in general you’re pretty good”
“Hey, I like the sound of that. If you’re a hacker who can make sure that other people don’t hack in using your own tricks as a basis for shielding? That sounds good to me.” Audrey said, nodding. “Make sure to leave me your card so I can call you for a consultation.”
“Pretty much exactly it” he replied pulling out a card, “Call me anytime and I can pop back in when you have time”
“Thank you.” Audrey said, accepting the card. She looked it over briefly, then slipped it into her pocket. “I should get back to work, but thank you for coming in. I’ll be contacting you soon. I’m going on my honeymoon soon, so it’ll be after that.”
“You’re welcome” John replied picking up his pastry and drink after handing Audrey the money, “Thanks for taking the time to talk to me. And congratulations, I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon”
“Thanks!” Audrey said, her cheeks now practically hurting at the brightness of her smile. She watched him go, then turned to the next customer in line.